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Hotels in the United Kingdom opened for business on Monday, May 17 after being shut since Wednesday, January 6, 2021. We checked in with seven General Managers across Great Britain from London, Devon, and the Cotswolds to up north in Leeds and the Scottish Highlands to see how they are opening up… and holding up after 16 long months since COVID-19 hit. On top of the stops and starts of three lockdowns, these leaders continue to face challenges at every turn. From lingering questions surrounding international travel to the implications of Brexit, it has been an unprecedented and emotional time for everyone.
Our panel, in alphabetical order:
Sally Beck, The Royal Lancaster Hotel
Doris Greif, The Langham, London
Claire Randall, Bovey Castle, Devon
Rohaise Rose-Bristow, The Torridon, Scotland
Claire Steven, Oulton Hall Hotel, Leeds
Joanne Taylor-Stagg, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
Sue Williams, Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Cotswolds
Sharing their frustrations, fears and concerns, these intelligent and capable women openly discuss everything from the cut throat poaching of key staff and dealing with guests who seem to have lost their manners during lockdown to foraging for new sources and timelines for food as suppliers struggle to deliver thanks to Brexit. The conversation was packed full of so much raw, honest and compelling dialogue, we’ve broken it into three segments.
Despite all these hardships, they remain optimistic and realistic, with an enduring love for hospitality.
You don’t want to miss this series, watch the segments below...